Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
Turning 65 is often seen as a milestone, but for low-income seniors in Ontario, it can bring financial and health-related uncertainty. Many seniors turning 65 no longer financially qualify for Ontario Works (OW) or the…
Nearly one million Ontarians rely on social assistance programs like Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for survival. These are programs of last resort, a lifeline for those with nowhere else…
People living with mental health-related disabilities who apply to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are often turned down. This may be because the decision-maker believes that the medical treatment they are getting isn’t comprehensive…
The Ontario government’s mandate is to protect the province, its communities, workers, and businesses. In the face of U.S. tariffs, rising costs, and ongoing economic uncertainty, the provincial budget must help Ontarians to withstand current…
Disability Without Poverty (DWP), a national disability justice organization, is holding a virtual symposium on December 3, 2025, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The symposium, titled “Disability Poverty in Canada: Learning from Today…
Accessing appropriate and timely medical care can be challenging enough when living with a disability. For those applying for disability-related income support programs, their ability to receive income support becomes inextricably tied to their ability…
ISAC Staff Lawyer Adrian Merdzan was recently quoted in an article about the Ontario government’s forthcoming guide dog benefit, which is required to be changed as it was found to be discriminatory. The article focuses…
TORONTO, ON – On Thursday, October 23, at 11 a.m., a coalition of organizations focused on disability justice, food security, workers’ rights, renters’ rights, income security, poverty reduction, and improved social services will arrive at…
Food is a Right! Freeze the Rent! Raise the Rates! Raise Wages! On Thursday, October 23, starting at 11 a.m., a coalition of organizations focused on disability justice, food security, workers’ rights, renters’ rights, income…
ISAC staff members Claudia Calabro and Asif Khan recently co-authored a piece published on the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives‘ website entitled Time for a real poverty reduction strategy in Ontario. In it, Claudia and…